Tomorrow’s Engineers Week: Stories of growth from E.ON’s future Playmakers

As we celebrate Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, we’re spotlighting the people behind the projects and individuals who didn’t necessarily set out to work in engineering, but discovered rewarding careers here at E.ON through curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

Two such people are Colin and Jonathan, whose journeys into technical roles could not be more different, yet share a powerful message for anyone considering a future in the sector: you don’t need a traditional engineering background to make a real impact.

Colin’s story – from Sports Studies to leading renewable energy projects
When Colin left school, engineering wasn’t even on his radar. He went on to complete an HNC in Sports Coaching and a degree in Sports Studies, specialising in psychology. His plan was to build a career in sports, but breaking into Sports Psychology proved competitive.

While studying, Colin gained experience in student advising and administration, which unexpectedly opened the door to a role at E.ON Control Solutions as a Project Coordinator: “At first, I saw it as a temporary stopgap while I continued pursuing sports psychology roles,” he explains. “But then I was given the chance to support a complex project, and everything changed.”

Discovering a new career direction
Colin soon found himself exposed to people management, financial oversight and programme delivery which were areas he’d never explored before but immediately connected with. “It was a steep learning curve, but I loved the challenge and embraced it.” That curiosity and drive eventually led him to his current role as a Project Delivery Manager in E.ON’s B2B construction branch, where he leads renewable energy projects for a wide range of customers.

When projects don’t go to plan
Colin’s first major project, a multi-site installation for a council, wasn’t without its challenges. From asbestos in the plant room walls to structural surprises and even COVID-19 disruptions, the project tested every skill he had: “Projects rarely go exactly to plan! You just get better at spotting issues early and managing them effectively.”

Through this experience, Colin developed resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills which are qualities he now sees as core to the engineer he has become.

Finding his place in a technical world
Despite coming from a completely different discipline, Colin realised that his background in coaching and psychology had always aligned with the essentials of project management: “Sport is still a big part of my life, but I’ve found a role that sits at the intersection of my strengths. I couldn’t articulate it at the time, I just knew I enjoyed the work and wanted to keep learning.”

Jonathan’s story – from Geography and Economics to Process Safety Specialist
Jonathan’s route into engineering is a testament to how diverse experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities. He studied Geography and Economics at university purely out of interest, not because he aspired to a career in engineering:“I didn’t know anyone who was an Engineer or what a career in Engineering could look like.”

After graduating, Jonathan joined an engineering consultancy, where he shadowed senior Engineers conducting electrical inspections in potentially explosive atmospheres. This introduced him to industries from power generation to pharmaceuticals and even food production. “The variety broadened my interests and eventually led me to specialise in DSEAR risk assessment and hazardous area classification.”

Two years ago, Jonathan joined E.ON as a Process Safety Specialist, ensuring compliance with the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR). While his degree doesn’t directly apply, Jonathan believes the diverse nature of his studies was invaluable. “From glaciers to compound interest, my degree taught me to navigate broad information and extract what matters. That skill is essential in process safety.”

Adapting when things don’t go to plan
Like Colin, he learned quickly that projects rarely unfold perfectly. “The biggest things I’ve learned are to have confidence in your ability and to never be afraid to ask questions. Even without a formal engineering education, you bring something valuable.”

For Jonathan, moving into engineering never felt like a leap, it simply felt natural. “I loved understanding how things work and exploring different industries. Engineering opened doors to places most people never get to see.”
Engineering careers aren’t one-size-fits-all

Colin and Jonathan’s stories highlight a powerful truth: there is no single path into engineering.
At E.ON, we believe in the potential of people from all backgrounds, whether they come from sports, humanities, technical studies, or none of the above! What matters most is curiosity, a willingness to learn, and the drive to take on new challenges.

This Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, we’re celebrating the individuals shaping the future of energy — not because they followed a traditional route, but because they found their own.

Learn more about opportunities at E.ON, here.